IFJ Condemns Maldives’ Proposed Media Control Bill

The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) has condemned a newly revived media bill in the Maldives, warning it poses a “grave threat” to press freedom and the independence of journalism.

The bill, reintroduced in Parliament on August 18 by MP Abdul Hannan Abubakr, seeks to dissolve the Maldives Media Council (MMC) and the Maldives Broadcasting Commission (BroadCom) and replace them with a single “Maldives Media and Broadcasting Commission.” The new body would be empowered to suspend media licenses, block websites, halt broadcasts, and impose heavy fines up to MVR 25,000 (USD 1,620) for journalists and MVR 100,000 (USD 6,490) for media outlets.

The Maldives Journalists Association (MJA) led protests outside Parliament on August 19, denouncing the legislation as a move to silence the media. The group demanded a meeting with President Dr. Mohamed Muizzu and called for the bill’s immediate withdrawal.

Under the proposal, the new commission would have seven members, with three nominated from the media sector and four appointed by the President. The chair would be selected directly by the President, a structure critics say undermines independence and risks political control over the press.

The IFJ joined the MJA in opposing the bill, stressing that “regulating the media requires genuine industry consultation.” The federation said bypassing such engagement reveals a “fundamental misunderstanding” of the commission’s role, which should be to protect democratic values and strengthen journalism rather than restrict it.

This is the second time such a bill has been tabled. A similar proposal in November 2024 was withdrawn following backlash from journalists and civil society. Despite strong opposition, MP Abubakr has indicated he will not retract the legislation.

The opposition Maldivian Democratic Party (MDP) has also raised concerns, with party chairperson Fayyaz Ismail calling it “another poorly concealed attempt to dismantle media freedom.”

The MJA reiterated that media governance in the Maldives should be self-regulated and independent of government influence, reminding the administration that such a mechanism was a key election promise by President Muizzu.